Our Guiding Principles

Our industry-driven certification programs have been created to encourage and facilitate sustainable business practices. The programs address seven key areas of sustainable building: energy & envelope, materials & methods, indoor air quality, ventilation, waste management, water conservation, and building practices. Built Green Canada’s guiding principles are:

Our programs are voluntary

The programs are for those who want to build durable, healthier, affordable homes that take a holistic approach to sustainability—and enjoy the benefits that follow. We provide tools that guide a better build, helping to set builders apart from the competitors, while providing pass-along benefits for prospective homebuyers. 

Training is essential

All Builder and Renovator members must be trained in BUILT GREEN® practices, policies, and procedures prior to building their BUILT GREEN® projects. To ensure accessible and affordable options, Built Green Canada offers online training options.

Built Green is flexible and easy to navigate 

Our programs enable builders to choose from a number of green features, depending on what best suits the build and environment. The straightforward checklist that guides certification is broken down into seven sections and comes with a corresponding program Guide that further clarifies each checklist point. The checklist also helps the builder navigate price points per green feature and offers samples of how to achieve certification.

Built Green is affordable

As compared to other prominent programs, Built Green’s costs to participate are minimal. By providing training, supplier relationships, and four levels of achievement (bronze, silver, gold and platinum), we help to ensure our programs are accessible. Check out some cost-effective ways to build green.

Third-party certification is critical 

Certification authenticates a high performance home, offering the builder credibility and the homebuyer a maintenance guide and home’s level of efficiency, as well as proof for rebates where applicable. Successful certification is based on cost-effective housing, healthier, more durable housing, and housing that has a lower impact on the environment.